A Mom’s Struggle – Postpartum Depression

Having a baby can bring so much joy to a couple as a fruit of their love for each other. The bizarre feeling of bearing a child can convey overwhelming emotions to an expectant mother. But a woman’s body and mind go through a lot of changes during and after pregnancy. Some cope with the changes and fully embrace it, but for some, it sometimes leads to anxiety and depression.

Millions of women across the globe suffer from Postpartum Depression (PPD). It can last for weeks, months or even years. This kind of drastic emotion can be serious and alter into something scary if mistreated. Mothers who struggle from PPD are becoming more sensitive and the feeling of unwanted can be felt too. Yung feeling mo walang nakakaintindi sayo, that you are alone in this motherhood thingy, and even the feeling of you are unloved. That’s the sign that you might have Postpartum Depression.

Even some celebrities and known personalities suffered from PPD. Some of them are local celebrities like: Toni Gonzaga, Andi Eigenmann, Ruffa mae Quinto, and Regine Angeles. And International celebrities like: Drew Barrymore, Alanis Morissette, Adele, and even Princess Diana of Wales. You see, walang pinipili ang depression, mapamayaman ka man o mahirap, sikat o hindi, bata o matanda, anyone can be tormented by this serious disorder.

Here are might some signs and symptoms of PPD:

• Severe mood swings

• Being too emotional

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Loss of appetite or over-eating

• Having a hard to to sleep or sleeps too much

• Lacking of energy

• Loss of interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

• Can easily be irritated and angry

• Fear that you’re not a good mother

• Losing of hope

• Feelings of being unworthy

• Having a hard time to concentrate or think clearly

• Feeling uneasy

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

• Having a difficulty on taking care of your baby

No one knows you better but yourself. If you feel like you are suffering from Postpartum Depression, do not hesitate to seek help. Tell your husband about it and let him understand the situation. Having someone who understands what you are going through is a big help for you to easily conquer this kind of disorder.

To all the husbands out there. If your wife suffers from Postpartum Depression, give her all the support she'll need. Bear in mind that dealing with PPD alone can be the worst feeling a new mother could feel. With all the changes that happened to her, the least that you can do is to make her that she's not alone and you are going to face it with her, that you are always there for her. Never let her feel that she's unloved. Make her feel that she's the most beautiful even at her worst look. After all, you saw how beautiful she was when she was all fancied. Understand her, even her mood rapidly changes like how the clock ticks (that's pretty normal to a woman though, LOL). Remember, she's been doing all the house chores the whole day, but can still manage to take care of you and your little one, appreciate it. Do not belittle her and should never say bad things about her. Your wife is going through a lot, be with her.

To all the people who speaks ill of her. Do not judge her too quickly. You never know how hard PPD strikes her, and how bad she’s going through. You’ll never truly understand her situation unless you put yourself into her shoes. Once you’ve been there, then judge her. But, I doubt you’ll judge her when you feel the same way as she’s feeling at the moment. And if you are a mom whose lucky enough to not suffer from this kind of disorder, wag na wag mong ikumpara ang mga pinagdaanan mo sa pinagdadaanan nya. Every person is unique, we are taking different paths. Hindi lahat ng pinagdaanan mo ay pagdadaanan nya and vice versa. Remember, when you became a first time mom, whether you admit it or not, nangapa ka rin sa bagong mundo na pinasok mo. Support her as a mom instead. That’s all she needs now. She needs a constant support system, not discernment. 

To all the moms suffering from PPD. You’ve been through a lot. Do not let your emotion overpower you. You can do more than that, ‘coz YOU ARE AN AMAZING WOMAN. You are doing the hardest job in the world, BEING A MOTHER. Show to the world how great you are as a mother. Be the best role model to your child. You overcome the hardship of carrying your child in your tummy for 9 months as well as the pain of labor, I’m sure you’ll overcome this situation too. You are not alone, God is always watching over you. Ask for his guidance and he’ll do the rest for you.

BEING A MOTHER IS LEARNING ABOUT STRENGTHS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU HAD AND DEALING WITH FEARS YOU NEVER KNEW EXISTED. -LINDA WOOTEN